By the Toledo Tribune
LINCOLN COUNTY, OR – There’s an old saying in these parts that when the mills are humming, the towns are thriving. And if Washington’s latest decree holds true, we just might hear that familiar tune again.
President Donald Trump’s recent executive order, “Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production,” has set its sights on boosting the timber industry, cutting bureaucratic delays, and putting Americans back to work. And in a place like Lincoln County, where the forests stand tall and the economy sometimes feels a little short, that could mean a long-overdue shot in the arm.
“America’s vast public lands contain untapped resources that must be managed for the benefit of the American people,” the order states. “By removing bureaucratic roadblocks and streamlining forest management, we will ensure a sustainable timber supply, create jobs, and reduce reliance on foreign imports.”
While some will surely find a way to grumble about it—there are always those who’d rather watch trees grow than watch towns flourish—many locals see this as an opportunity to rebuild what was once a proud and thriving way of life.
TIMBER TOWNS COULD THRIVE AGAIN
For decades, Lincoln County and much of the Oregon Coast were built on the back of the timber industry. From sawmills to logging crews to the bustling small businesses that served them, the lifeblood of these communities came from the forests. But over the years, government restrictions, environmental litigation, and shifting policies made it harder and harder for the industry to survive.
Now, with federal agencies instructed to “prioritize the expansion of timber sales, expedite permitting, and eliminate unnecessary restrictions,” there’s hope that the tide may turn back in favor of those who know how to work the land and build prosperity from its bounty.
According to the Oregon Forest & Industries Council, the state’s timber industry supports over 61,000 jobs, from loggers and truck drivers to mill workers and forest managers. When timber thrives, the effects ripple outward.
“When logging is up, everyone feels it,” says Chris Edwards, president of the Oregon Forest & Industries Council. “It’s not just the mills—it’s the equipment suppliers, the grocery stores, the gas stations, even the schools. Rural Oregon depends on a healthy timber industry.”
Indeed, a thriving timber economy means:
More jobs: Logging, milling, trucking, equipment repair, and countless supporting trades.
Stronger local businesses: More paychecks mean more spending at grocery stores, restaurants, and shops.
Improved public services: A larger tax base means better schools, roads, and community programs.
Booming recreation & tourism: As towns prosper, so do the attractions that bring in visitors—lodges, fishing charters, and local festivals.
STRIKING A HARMONIOUS CHORD: PROSPERITY MEETS PRESERVATION
Now, it would be a fine jest to think that prosperity and preservation are like oil and water, forever separate and stubbornly unmixed. But wiser heads—and perhaps kinder hearts—know that a thriving community and a healthy environment are two sides of the same well-minted coin.
The Oregon Coast Community Forest Association (OCCFA) champions this very notion, advocating for community forest ownership and ecological management. Their mission underscores that a diverse, healthy forest can provide economic fairness and improved well-being for the local community, achieving the mutual goals of community well-being, economic vitality, and environmental stewardship.
In Lincoln County, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has taken steps to diversify forest stands, moving beyond the dominance of Douglas fir to include multiple species. This approach not only enhances the resilience of our coastal forests to pests, disease, and fire but also ensures that our timber practices are sustainable and beneficial for generations to come.
THE UNTOUCHED GUARDIANS: LINCOLN COUNTY’S VIRGIN FORESTS
Now, let’s turn our gaze to the ancient sentinels that have stood the test of time—the old-growth forests of Lincoln County. Approximately 87% of the county’s total land area, equating to about 550,000 acres, is forest land. Of this, roughly 80% is under industrial or public ownership, primarily used for commercial wood fiber production.
However, the exact extent of untouched, virgin forests—those that have never heard the whisper of a saw—remains a subject of study. Historical data indicates that in the early 1990s, Oregon had about 4.9 million acres of old-growth forests, representing 20.5% of its productive forest land.
It’s worth noting that the Siuslaw National Forest, which extends into Lincoln County, harbors areas of old-growth forest. A 1993 Forest Service study estimated that the extent of old growth in the Siuslaw National Forest was 33,800 acres. These ancient groves serve as ecological treasures, offering habitats for diverse species and acting as vital carbon sinks.
A CALL FOR COLLABORATIVE STEWARDSHIP
As we stand at the crossroads of economic opportunity and environmental responsibility, the path forward beckons us to walk together. By embracing sustainable forestry practices, diversifying our forest ecosystems, and valuing the irreplaceable old-growth stands, we can ensure that Lincoln County thrives both economically and ecologically.
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” Let us, therefore, embark on this journey of balanced progress, where the hum of the mills harmonizes with the rustle of ancient leaves, crafting a future where both our communities and forests flourish.
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